Best Tick Repellent for Dogs: Keeping Your Dog Safe From Ticks While Outdoors

As a dog owner, the most important thing to you is that your dog’s happy. You’ll take your pet to their favorite park, buy them birthday cakes, cuddle with them during a movie — this is all out of love for your dog. Naturally, when you take your dog into the outdoors, you’re expecting them to play with others and explore nature.

However, what you’re not expecting is for them to come home with other critters on them. You know what ones we’re talking about — ticks. Now, for the most part, ticks aren’t dangerous, however, if left on your dog for an extended amount of time, your dog could be susceptible to getting Lyme Disease. That’s when things can take a drastic turn and your dog can end up with kidney failure or even death in severe cases.

Nor you or your dog need to experience this, so this is why choosing a tick repellent for your dog is absolutely crucial. If you’re wondering what repellent to go with, don’t worry, we’ve done the research for you and found the best tick repellent for dogs.

We’ll tell you the most important features to look out for when buying tick repellent and as well as some recommended products. The tick repellents you’re going to read about in this article are what we feel have the great balance of price and effectiveness. It’s safe to say that you can’t go wrong with our selection. Let’s take a closer look.

Factors to consider when buying

If you’ve been looking for tick repellents already then you already know how many different brands are on the market. We know that with all these options, it can become overwhelming. We want you to find the right one for your dog because we all know how unique each dog is. So, before you look for a tick repellent, look at some of the features.

Types of tick repellents

What are you looking for in a repellent? You should know that there are various forms of tick repellents for your dog. These are some of your options when considering a tick repellent:

Once-a-month Topicals: these treatments use insecticides that are applied to a small area on the back of your dog’s neck. It’s one of the easiest methods for tick repellents and lasts the longest. This treatment can be used to either kills only ticks, fleas or both, thus, you’ll want to make sure you choose the right topical. These topicals usually contain ingredients such as fipronil, permethrin or pyrethrin. So, if you’re looking for a natural option, this isn’t the choice for you.

Sprays: Flea/tick sprays usually come in either an aerosol or spray bottle. With this method, you’ll spray your dog entirely. Though, you do not have to soak your dog in spray. Then, with a cotton ball, you’ll spray a small amount on it and dab it on the ears and around the eyes. This isn’t a bad option, however, if your dog is jumpy, you won’t want to dab this spray around their eyes, if they get it in their eyes, you’ll have to go to the vet asap.

Powders: Powders are extremely easy to use, however, are very messy. Usually, powders are not natural, so if you’re opting for a chemical-free product, this isn’t a good choice for you. If your dog suffers from asthma, this is also something you should stay away from.

Dips and Rinses: This is when you apply the product to the entire animal. Now, this option is also fine, however, you have to be very cautious to not let it get into your dog’s eyes. In addition, you’ll want to rinse them in a well-ventilated area.

Shampoos: Flea/tick shampoos are typically used once your dog has contracted fleas or ticks. With shampoos, you’ll have to completely wash your dog in the shampoo and allow it to sit for 10 minutes. Since this is a medicated shampoo in most cases, you’ll want to make sure it doesn’t enter their eyes or ears. We do not recommend this option if your dog isn’t a fan of bath time.

Collars: Flea/tick collars are a popular method for tick prevention, however, they must be applied properly in order to work. You’ll want to make sure that the collar is snug, allowing two fingers to fit in between the collar. Now, some of these collars are waterproof while others are not, so while you’re looking at collars choose one that suits your lifestyle. Make sure that there’s no irritation under the collar.

Dog’s preference

At the end of the day, though it’s important what you like, it’s also important what your dog likes. If your dog isn’t into having baths, then opting for a shampoo will not be a positive experience for either of you. Look at the lifestyle you and your dog have.

Of course, choose an option which suits yourself but you want something that won’t stress your dog when he sees it. This can involve a bit of trial and error.

Species effectiveness

There are actually hundreds of different types of flea and tick species worldwide, meaning, not all of them will react to your tick repellent. So, you’ll need to research the ticks in your area and talk to your veterinarian about which form of tick repellent is effective against your local flea and tick.

You don’t want to be giving your dog a tick repellent that’s ineffective to the species in your area. If you choose a repellent that covers a broad range of ticks, it’ll provide protection against a number of species.

Design

There are many times where you’re able to use medications that are acceptable for both dogs and cats. However, this isn’t one of them. You should not allow your dog to use cat tick repellent and vice versa. Many tick/flea repellents for cats are medicated with ingredients which are harmful to dogs and vice versa.

If you’re thinking about using a cat repellent on your dog, you must talk to your veterinarian first. In addition, read the product label as it will also tell you whether or not it’s dog/cat friendly.

Best products on today’s market

One of the best ways to find the right tick repellent if to look at the reviews of other dog owners. In addition to other dog owner’s opinions, you also want to look at the manufacturer and see if they’re reputable and produce high-quality products. With that being said, here are some of the tick repellents you should consider:

Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control

Price: Approx. $34.20

Waterproof: Yes

Specific Features: 3-step application, relief up to 3 months

Best Use: Tick and flea repellent for 8 weeks or older

Description: Frontline is a popular tick and flea repellent for both dogs and puppies as young as 8 weeks old. It kills all the stages of flea life and helps with controlling and killing ticks. In the first 18 hours, Frontline Plus Flea and Tick Control will kill 100% of the adult fleas on your dog and in 48 hours it’ll kill 100% of all ticks. Though those numbers sound extreme, Frontline has a satisfaction guarantee, so if it doesn’t work, return it and get reimbursed.

However, you probably won’t be doing that since it’s so effective. What’s nice about this repellent is that it’s easy to use as it comes in a 3-dose supply for up to 3 months. So, once you administer the repellent, you’ll be able to relax knowing that your dog is well taken care of. In addition, if your dog is a fan of water you won’t have to worry about them getting wet as this repellent is waterproof.

Pros:

Easy to use, 3-step application

Kills fleas, lice and ticks

Relief up to 3 months

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Cons:

Not made with natural products

Related: If you prefer a dog collar rather than a topical ointment, then you should opt for XUS Collar For Fleas And Ticks. It’s natural and highly effective in repelling fleas and ticks. In addition, it’s also waterproof. So, if you’d rather stay away from pesticides, this is a great option.

PetArmor Squeeze on Flea and Tick Repellent

Description: Not all of us have the budget to buy expensive tick repellents such as Frontline. Though, we still want to provide our dogs with the proper protection from dangerous bugs and insects.

If you’re on a budget or simply don’t want to pay high prices for tick repellents, you can still purchase a high-quality product — but half the price. The PetArmor Squeeze on Flea and Tick Repellent provides the same protection as Frontline, however, without the high price tag.

It’s fast acting and will start working after an hour of use. It’ll kill a variety of ticks such as Brown Dog Ticks, American Dog Ticks and Lone Star Ticks. It’s a topical formula that contains the #1 vet-recommended active ingredient, fipronil. With fipronil in this tick and flea repellent, you’ll be ensured that your dog will be kept safe. You simply have to administer a monthly dose to your dog and you’re good to go!

Pros:

Affordable

Fast acting

Kills a variety of ticks

Kills fleas from all stages of life and chewing lice

Cons:

Not made with natural products

Related: Have a small dog? Well, don’t worry, they’ll be protected from ticks and fleas as well. The PetAmour Flea and Tick Repellent is available for your smaller-sized dog. It provides the same level of tick and flea protection but with the proper dosage that is best suited for smaller dogs.

VetriScience Laboratories Flea + Tick Defense

Description: The VetriScience Laboratories Flea + Tick Defense is another affordable way to protect your dog from fleas and ticks. Many of us think that we need to buy an expensive repellent in order for it to be effective, but not with the case of VetriScience. This repellent is fast-working in controlling fleas and ticks from your pet. It’ll kill all stages of flea life and prevent them from laying eggs, thus, reducing the chances of your dog contracting secondary health problems.

The active ingredient fipronil works to target fleas, ticks, chewing lice and mosquitos. Fipronil collects in the oil of your dog’s hair and skin follicles, thus, it continues to be released onto the skin and coat. This is the answer as to why it’s long lasting.

So, with one dose, it’ll last you a maximum of 3 months, which is perfect if you’re only needing it for the summer season. In addition, if your dog is a fan of swimming, you won’t have to worry about the repellent wearing off because it is fully waterproof.

Pros:

Long lasting

Fast acting

Affordable

Cons:

Not a natural product

Related: If you have a cat, please remember you will not be able to use this repellent on them. Instead, you need a repellent which is formulated for cats as dog repellent does carry harmful chemicals which can kill your cat. The VetriScience Flea And Tick Defense is specifically for cats, which works similar to their repellent for dogs.

PetArmorPro Advanced Large

Price: Approx. $19.95

Waterproof: Yes

Specific Features: works within 24 hours, once per month application, controls mites

Best Use: larger dogs

Description: If you have a larger dog then you’re going to have to have larger doses. Of course, you shouldn’t try to figure out the dosage yourself. Instead, the PetArmorPro Advanced Large is designed to provide protection from fleas, ticks, chewing lice and mites.

In addition, this repellent also aids in stopping infections of fleas, ticks and chewing lice while also controlling sarcoptic mange infestations. Within 10 minutes, this repellent will be activated and fighting against pesky insects and bugs.

This repellent is extremely easy to use so if your dog is slightly difficult to handle, you won’t have to worry about the application process. It’s budget friendly in comparison to some of its competitors but still provides the protection your dog needs. Though, if you’re looking for a natural product, this isn’t the one for you as it contains fipronil. You’ll have to apply this repellent monthly for proper protection.

Sentry Fiproguard Plus for Dogs

Description: Another great option is the Sentry Fiproguard Plus for Dogs. It’s highly recommended amongst vets as being one of the most effective repellents on the market. Why? Because it contains the active ingredients fipronil and (s)-methoprene which is the same active ingredients used in Frontline Plus.

This formula is highly effective in killing flea eggs, larvae, ticks and chewing lice. It’s long lasting and will be able to protect your dog for 12 weeks before reapplication.

In addition, if your dog is into water activities, you’ll be happy to know that this is waterproof, so you won’t have any problems or annoyances by having to reapply it every time your dog gets wet.

Please note though, since this is a pesticide product, you do not want to treat your dog with more than one pesticide product at a time. This product is highly effective but you need to make sure that you have your dog’s correct weight when buying it so that you don’t administer the wrong dosage.

Pros:

Kills both fleas and ticks

Long lasting

Vet recommended

Waterproof

Easy to use

Cons:

Not natural

Related: Remember, you cannot use this product on your cat. So, if you have one and you love this brand, you’ll be able to purchase a cat formulated tick and flea repellent. The Sentry Fiproguard Plus for cats is just as effective but only for cats.

Bayer K9 Advantix II

Description: If you’re out in the woods frequently, you may be looking for a repellent that’ll be able to tackle more than just fleas and ticks. In the woods, you have an entire assortment of insects to wear off. The Bayer K9 Advantix II is a great option when it comes to this. It’ll be able to kill lice, biting flies, mosquitoes, fleas of all stages and ticks. So, if you’ll be doing some hiking through thick bush, then you’ll want something that’ll hold up.

In addition, it’s extremely easy to apply and you’ll be able to use it on puppies starting at 7 weeks old. What’s great about this repellent is that within the first 12 hours this topical ointment will be able to kill 98-100% of the fleas on your dog. Furthermore, it’ll continue to protect your job for the coming months. Whether your dog’s playing in the water, laying in the sunlight or running through the snow, it’ll be protected.

Pros:

Highly effective

Topical treatment

Active within the first 12 hours

Gentle for puppies

Easy to use

Long lasting

Cons:

Not natural

Related: If you have a cat, you cannot use this on them. This is specifically designed for dogs and may kill your cat. Instead, you’ll need to purchase a flea/tick repellent for your cat separately. If you love this line, you’ll be happy to know that you can purchase the Bayer Advantage II Flea treatment for your cat.

Terra Pet Naturals 100% Natural Flea and Tick Repellent

Description: For many of us, we want to try to stay as natural as possible when it comes to products for our animals. Which makes sense, since they’re always around us, so, chemicals on our dogs will come into contact with us. Well, now you have an option for a completely natural tick repellent which is the Terra Pet Naturals 100% Natural Flea and Tick Repellent.

It’s a topical drops treatment which is made of organic and natural ingredients such as essential oils. This blend of essential oils repels against fleas and ticks. You will have to reapply it more often than other chemical-based repellents.

One bottle contains approx. 1200 drops which are enough to last you between 4-6 months depending on the amount you use. You can apply the drops directly onto your dog without having to worry about skin irritation as the drops are ideal for sensitive skin. Overall, it’s a great natural product to use and it also shows results.

As this is a shampoo, it contains non-sticky ingredients and is also safe for you to use on beddings in the wash. In addition, if you also have cats, you won’t have to go out and purchase a specific flea shampoo since this shampoo works on both species.

The ingredients in this shampoo are certified Brazilian oils. These oils are found on in Brazilian tribes who use them as a repellent. So, if you’re worried about the safety of these oils, humans have been using this blend for years and years. You will have to reapply this shampoo more frequently than other chemical-based products, however, it’s worth it.

Pros:

Chemical-free

Safe for bedding and clothes

Repels against both ticks and fleas

Natural

Cons:

Not long lasting

Related: Are you worried that your dog already has fleas or ticks? There’s only one way to find out: brush them. You’ll need to thoroughly look through their hair or fur in order to see the tick or flea. Try the Safari Flea Comb to really get into the fur/hair and see if there are any fleas. It has a double row of teeth for extra accuracy.

Wrap Up

We all want our four-legged friends to enjoy running and playing in the outdoors, however, we don’t want them to come home with any issues. This is why finding the right repellent is absolutely essential to protect your dog.

Remember, make sure you choose a repellent which suits both you and your dog. If your dog is frequently in the water, you’ll want to opt for a waterproof repellent. If you prefer to be pesticide-free, then opt for a natural repellent. This way, you’ll find the most efficient and appropriate repellent for your dog.

Have you tried one of these repellents before? Let us know in the comment section below what you think!

Wyatt Robinson had a great 25-years career as a veterinarian in United Kingdom. He used to be a member of British Veterinary Association and worked in 3 pet hospitals in London and Manchester. He is shining when he sees his pets healthy and full of energy and it is his duty to help other dog owners to keep their best friends full of life.

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